My Life as a Book Author-Janet Tashjian Illustrator- Jake Tashjian Vocabulary: Reluctant Vaults Rummage Obviously Main Character- Derrick I Don’t WANT TO READ THIS BOOK. Mom gives me a book. I am too fast. I go into the attic. Mom says that I get one chocolate chip per page. I hid. She offers me two chocolate chips. I still hide. I start to look around. I found mom’s love letters that dad wrote. Then I find a paper that says a local girl was found dead on the beach. It was from ten years ago. I hang out the door like Spiderman. I ask my mom about the girl. The newspaper said she was seventeen years old. Mom says she does not know what I am talking about. I show her the newspaper. She gets mad. She grabs my arm. She takes the newspaper from me. She puts it in her pocket. I really do like to read. But I don’t like being told that I need to read. When the teacher gave me a vocabulary word, I drew what it meant. My dad is an illustrator. So I guess drawing runs in the family. If my life was a book, it would be an adventure. I would find out who the girl that died on the beach was. TORTURE IN THE CLASSROOM Vocabulary: Kidnapped The next day, Ms. Williams the reading tutor tells me I have to read three books. She wants me to write three book reports too! Then she tells me that she is going to be my teacher next year! I tell my teacher that summer is for fun. I should be able to wear pajamas all day and eat cereal when I want. My friend Matt can’t believe that we have summer homework either. I like my teacher, but I would not mind is she was kidnapped by bank robbers. PLAYING JAMES BOND Vocabulary- Disapproves Matt and I go to the mall. We like to read comic books and look at DVDs. My favorite clerk, Jamie, is Matt’s older brother. He makes me laugh. I tell Matt about the girl on the beach that they found dead. He tells him that the newspaper said that the girl drowned. Jamie is busy talking to some girls by the cash register. His boss tells him to get back to work, and that he disapproves. His boss leaves to get a cup of coffee. I start to hum the song from James Bond. His brother lowers the gate. Matt and I run around the store like we are spies. Then as the gate reaches the ground, we roll under it. We look like monkeys in a zoo. Jamie throws the white packing peanuts at us. He is trying to impress the girls. I turn around. I see Carly, the smartest girl in school. She shows me her books, and tells me she got extra to read. I tell Jamie that his boss is coming. As the gate goes up, we roll under the gate again. WHY CALL HER A BABYSITTER IF I’M NOT A BABY Truce Skidded Desperate Investigate My parents leave for their Thursday date together. Amy is my baby sitter. I offer Amy a truce. I usually lock myself in the bathroom or ride my bike in the hall. Last week I skidded into dad’s table, and made markers fall everywhere. I told her, that I was willing to make a deal. If you help me research I will go to bed with no fuss. She stops texting, and asked me if the research was for school. I lied, and told her that it was for a school assignment. Amy goes onto my dad’s fast laptop. She enters in the information. I find out that the girl’s name is Susan James. I told Amy that my mother would not give me any information. I even heard her talking to dad about it. She told me to write to the newspaper if I was desperate to know. Since Amy was not helping me, I broke the truce. I took my dog, and sat in the car. Amy tries to get me out, but then leaves. Mom and Dad are home early. I pretend that we were cleaning mom’s car. Amy tells mom and dad that I locked myself and the dog in the car. She also told her that I was researching about Susan James. Mom says that she does not know why she saved that piece of paper. She reminds me that tomorrow is the last day of school, and to think about something else. I think to myself, that tomorrow, I will start to investigate. FINALLY Vocabulary Hedgehog
Ms. Williams can’t get the DVD to work. Instead of watching a movie, we have a spelling test. I get into trouble when I make a joke. Joe is waiting for me by my locker. He used to be the smallest kid in class. Now he is the biggest! Joe has bad breath. He has orange teeth. When I go back into the classroom, Ms. Williams gives me a reading book. I thank Ms. Williams for the book, even though I don’t want it. Ms. Williams tells Carly that she is taking Ginger home. Ginger is a hedgehog. When the bell rings, I vault to the door. When I get home, I take out the dog, without his leash! MAKING FRUIT GRENADES Vocabulary- Grenades Accompany Matt and I draw on some avocados. When we are done, we take them out side and stack them. We go on opposite sides. Matt throws the first avocado grenades. It goes SPLAT on my shoe. Mom opens the door. She is not happy that we have used all of the avocados. Dad is the next one to come outside. He tells me to clean up the dirt we used. Then he gives me ten dollars to go to the store to buy more avocados. When the money is in my hand, all I can think about is candy. Matt thinks about popcorn, ice cream and cupcakes. Matt and I skateboard to the store. The man has some old avocados that he sells for cheap. We buy ice cream. Matt tells Derrik that he is going to Martha Vineyard. That is the same place that the girl drowned! Derrik tells Matt to ask his mother if he can come to Martha Vineyard too. Matt tells Derrik that it is 3000 miles away from where they live. He does not know if his mother will agree. My mother throws the avocados away. They are too ripe. We have Chinese food for dinner. My fortune cookie has a paper in it. It says, “A STORY WILL UNFOLD BEFORE YOU.” I hope I can accompany or go with Matt and his mom. POOR DAD Vocabulary Permanent Illustrator I got to spend the day with my dad. I really like his job. He gets to draw all day. Dad tells to do well in school. He tells me it is hard to get a job. Dad falls asleep on the couch when he gets home. He seemed sad. When dad is sleeping, I start to draw on him. I try to make him look younger. My father is not happy when he wakes up. I used a permanent marker. I drew a mustache and sideburns. When he looks in the mirror, he tells me he likes it. Mom tries to wash it off, but it’s permanent. In the morning, my dad still has the marker on his face. Not all of it washed off. I tell my dad that he is a good illustrator. I tell him not to worry about the younger artists. FORCING MY PARENTS TO ADMIT THE TRUTH Vocabulary- Drought I pick some flowers for Matt’s mother. I help his mom sweep the sidewalk. I water her plants. I even carry in her groceries. But when Matt asks his mother, she says no. Matt tells Derrik that he can’t go because Massachusetts is so far away. Matt also tells Derrik, that his mother did not want him to go with them. Matt sister yells at us. We were trying to start a fire with a heat lamp- outside. She said it is the drought season, and that any fire could be a bad fire. On my way home, I try to think of ways to make my parents tell me about the newspaper article. I have no plan, so I start to hit a ball. It hits the satellite dish. This makes dad mad. I tell dad that I want to know why I can’t go to Martha’s Vineyard. I hit a second ball. It also hits the satellite dish. My mother comes outside and tells me that Martha’s Vineyard is too far away. I tell my mother she won’t let me go because of the girl they found on the beach at Martha’s Vineyard. I saw the girl’s name- Susan. Mom looks sad now. She tells me that she will tell me the story. I go into the house. Mom tells me that they rented a house in Martha’s Vineyard ten years ago. She told me I was two years old. They were meeting other people, so they got a baby sitter. Her name was Susan James. She was a college student. Susan took off with Derrik. A woman called to report that Susan had drowned, but Derrik was back at home- in bed. She said that Derrik must have gone into the water. She went into the water to save Derrik, but was pulled into the water. Derrik’s mother said that she writes to Susan’s mother every year. Derrik’s mother feels guilty. But Susan did not have permission to leave with him. His parents cancel their date. I feel bad now that I know more about Susan. TRYING TO FORGET Vocabulary Veterinarian Collage For the next few days, I try to forget about Susan and her story. Mom finally tells me “no more questions.” My mother is a veterinarian. She has her own office. She also takes care of dogs when their owners are on vacation. I make a collage of animals. I put a bunch of animal’s pictures on a board. Mom tells me to read. I don’t want to. She asks me to show her my vocabulary pictures. I show her. She likes them. She thinks I draw like my dad. A NEW FRIEND Vocabulary When I go to mom’s job, I am surprised she is taking care of a monkey. Mom tells me his name is Pedro. He is trained to help people in wheelchairs. Pedro wears a diaper. Mom tells me that Pedro can bite, so I need to be careful. I think Pedro needs some fresh air. I open his cage. He climbs on my shoulder. I give Pedro a piece of chocolate. I find my cowboy outfit and put it on the monkey. Pedro likes to play with the toy gun. Derrik’s dog barks at Pedro. He has never seen a monkey before. Pedro jumps onto the dog, and the dog starts running through the house. Mom is not happy again. She tells Derrik that she is going to send him to summer camp. I tell her that I will look at sport camps. But I would rather be home. Mom tells me I am going to go to LEARNING CAMP. Mom brings Pedro back to her office, and locks him in his cage. I TRY NOT TO KILL THE BABYSITTER Vocabulary- Flattened I feel like I am trapped. My parents talk to each other how I don’t have good self-control. They are mad that I am not reading my summer books. They tell me I am going to Learning Camp. I tell them I want to read. I want to read my comic books by the tree. Amy is watching me today. She is really babysitting me. She used to make me a peanut butter sandwich. Now she makes me. I tell her that I killed my first babysitter. She does not seem scared. She tells Derrek that she knows about the girl that drowned. I shared my first sandwich with Amy, and made another. Matt went into Derrek’s house. He told him that they were delivering bricks for a patio. Derrek wants to put some toys in front of the tires and squish them like grapes. I tell Amy that I am going to Matt’s house. Amy does not hear him, because she is on the phone. When the driver of the big truck goes away, he beeps his horn. The toys are not very flat. We put the plastic toys into a rock sander. It makes a funny noise. Learning Camp starts on Monday. I am not having fun. I tell Matt that I have to go home. I just want to sit under the clouds and stare at the sky. MY FATHER TRIES TO HELP Vocabulary- Repeatedly Dad tells me that he is going to drop me off at nine. I have to get up by 7:30! I try to find my MP3 and headphones. Mom tells me my dog is 80 years old in people years. I really hate math. I never seem to know the right answer. Mom gives me a banana and protein bar. Dad wants to talk about the book I am reading on the way. I feel like I am banging my head repeatedly against the wall. I feel like I am going to summer prison. ISN’T THIS FUN? Vocabulary- First I need to register. Next, I need to get into a group. The leaders show us where to put our stuff. I see Carly! She is one of the smartest kids at school. I feel sick. I don’t like needing help with reading, writing and math. My leader’s name is Margot. We are going to learn geography. She hands out maps. Margot tells me that she hates summer reading lists. She says it’s “criminal.” She told me she loved to read comic books. Margot told Derrek that he had a good imagination. She told him to use his imagination when reading. She told him reading could be like watching a movie. Then Margot told Derrek that she was going to read to him! It is the first time that I am able to answer the questions! SAYING GOODBYE TO MATT Vocabulary Desserted I see Joe. He is the boy with the bad breath. Joe tells him a story but it does not make sense. Joe thinks peanuts grow on trees. They grow underground. Joe is surprised that Derrek is smart. Joe walks away. He is mad. Matt’s car is loaded with their suitcases. They are ready to go on their trip. I am sad that Matt is going away. I am mad that I have to go to Learning Camp. Jamie tells Derrik that he used to go to Learning Camp. He did not like it. Matt tells him that on the first rainy day he is going to go to the library to look up information about Susan. I stand all alone in Matt’s driveway. I watch them go down the road. Matt feels deserted, or all alone. SUSAN’S SITE Vocabulary Disappear Mom is at a meeting, and dad is working. I email my grandma in Boston. I read my comics. I Google Susan James. I find a page about Susan. She is a girl with long brown hair. She liked the Red Sox. She played filed hockey. She loved to play the piano. She had a younger brother. I look at the clock. I have been reading about Susan for an hour. I begin typing. Dear Susan, Why did you bring me to the beach? Why did you save me? Am I supposed to help others because you saved me? Can I be a normal kid, who makes mistakes? I push enter, and watch my message disappear. MOVIES RUN IN THE FAMILY Vocabulary- I make a deal with Margot. I will read the first chapter. If I do, then we don’t have to play Fraction Friday. I sit on my bed with my summer reading book. It is hard to imagine the story without Margot. I begin to draw about my summer. I want to show Margot my flip-o-rama book. But first I want to show dad. I find dad. He is whacking the weeds. I show him my book. He likes it. Dad wants me to draw about the book. That sounds like work. YUCK. A DIFFERENT JAMES BOND Vocabulary- Illegal Grid It should be illegal or against the law to make kids do math when it is hot. Carly is going home with Derrek. Her mother asked if she could pick her up. Carly sits in the back seat of the car. Carly talks about books. But then she talks about how her mother can land scape. Carly’s mother comes home. She makes tea. Carly shows him the class hedgehog. Carly is worried because the hedgehog is not eating much. Mom tells them that she will look at the hedgehog tomorrow. Carly has made a grid out of string. She said she is pretending it is an alarm system. She gives him a black ski mask. Together they try to get to the other end of the room. She is able to get to the other side of the room. Derrek claps. He is happy. A CALL FROM MATT Vocabulary- Reaction It is Friday again. Derek’s parents go on a date. Amy is watching him, but she is watching TV. Derrek takes his mom’s key and goes into her office. Pedro the monkey is not there. Five dogs are in cages. They are barking. They are happy to see him. Amy comes into the office. She tells him Matt is on the phone. Matt is having a good summer. Derrek tells him that he is bored. Matt told him that he went to South Beach- the same beach that Susan drowned. He tells him the waves were very large. He said it was dangerous there. He tells Derrek he was lucky that Susan saved him. Matt tells Derrek that he has to go to watch the fireworks. Derrek takes off his shoe and knocks the satellite dish, which ruins Amy’s show. Derrek is happy again. He got a great reaction out of Amy. She was yelling. TWO EMAILS Vocabulary- Unfamiliar Derrek opened his email after Learning Camp. His grandmother from Boston wants the family to visit. His grandfather died three years ago. His grandmother is lonely. But she bowls with some of her friends. The second email is unfamiliar. It is from Susan’s mother! She is surprised to get an email from him. She wishes him her best. I decide to tell Mom that grandma sounds lonely. Mom tells him that she would love to visit her, but there is no one to take care of the animals. I tell her we need to see her soon. Grandma would want us to visit. Mom agrees. She said she will change her calendar. Mom then asks if the trip to Boston, Massachusetts is because of Susan or Matt. Derrek tells her that he misses his grandmother- AND that he wants to go to Martha’s Vineyard. A TRUCE Vocabulary- Truce Mom came home with pizza. She told Matt about her plan. They would visit grandma next week. They would not be going to Martha’s Vineyard to see Matt- BUT THEY WERE GOING TO GO TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD! Mom tells Derrek that he needs to do his summer reading. Derrek wants to bring his dog. Mom says that Bodi should go to dog camp. Derrek tells mom, that Bodi is part of the family and should go on the trip too. Mom gives Derrek his books, and tells him to read. He takes two pieces of pizza and goes into his room. Instead of reading, Derrek emails Grandma to tell her they are coming to visit. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? Vocabulary- Slobber I take Bodi for a walk on the leash. Mom treated a dog that was hit by a car. It was not a pretty site. I find a tree and begin to read my comics. Ms. Williams runs over to see me. I tell her I am having a bad summer. Bodi slobbers on her. He licks her hand and licks her face. She is happy that I am reading. I show her my flip-o-rama movie of my summer. When I get home, I see three emails from Grandma. She is happy we are coming to see her. Next I read the site about Susan. Lauren, one of her friends, says that she was with Susan at the beach the day she died. I know I should read- but I decide to draw. MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO Vocabulary- Yoga Laser Animate Mom has medicine for Pedro, the monkey. She is going to drop it off before yoga class. She tells me I can go with her! Michael is Pedro’s owner. He is seventeen. He has cerebral palsy. He is in a wheelchair. Pedro and Michael have been together for two years. Michael and I play basketball in his bedroom. Michael wins. Michael picks up a laser pointer. He aims it at a DVD. Pedro gets the DVD. Pedro puts popcorn in the microwave. Michael and I watch a movie. My mom goes to yoga alone. I show Michael my drawings. He likes them. He tells me I should animate the drawings like the drawings of the Lion King. Michael tells me to watch him on the computer. Michael scans my drawing, and makes the lines move, like a real cartoon. By the time Mom comes back, I have animated three of my vocabulary words. My flip-o-rama turned into a cartoon! Mom says that I can come back when we get back from Martha’s Vineyard. I tell Dad about the animation. I am going to teach him. Then maybe he will talk Mom into letting me raise a monkey. GRANDMA- Vocabulary- Century Bodi is going on the trip with us! Mom goes to sleep on the plane. Dad and I play cards and watch a movie. When we get to Boston, we rent a car. It smells great. Grandma still lives in the same house that my mom grew up in. I sleep on an air mattress. Grandma is so happy to see us! She gives me a hug first. Grandma squeezes me like she hasn’t seen me in a century, or 100 years! She made all of my favorite foods too! Grandma has new hearing aids. We don’t have to yell very loud. Grandma can’t come to Martha’s Vineyard with us. She has bowling. I feel like a little kid when I am with my grandma. I like it this way. I ask my grandma to read me a story. She is surprised and happy! I get out my summer reading book. Mom tells me I have to read the book. Grandma tells her she is going to read the book to me. Grandma reads two chapters. I imagine the story and the details. Grandma and I watch a movie after my parents go to bed. With any luck, Grandma will help me write my essay! MARTHA’S VINEYARD Vocabulary- Ferry Anxious We spent a lot of time with Grandma. We ate a lot. We watched her bowling. Matt and I talked on the phone. We couldn’t believe that we were both in Massachusetts, but we would have to wait to see each other. When we leave, Grandma gives me a big hug. She tells Mom and Dad that she will see us for Thanksgiving. We go on a ferry. It is like a boat that carries people and cars to Martha’s Vineyard. Mom seems nervous when we get to Martha’s Vineyard. Mom and Dad have not been to Martha’s Vineyard since Susan’s drowning. We check into the inn, and go for a walk. We gave Bodi a bone and left him at the inn. We stop at a book store. This is my parents’ favorite thing to do when on vacation. I look at the picture books. I like looking at the pictures. Then Mom and Dad take me to the candy shop. The island does not look like an island. It does not look like California. The beach has so many cars on it. But we are going to Susan’s beach! As we are driving I see Lauren’s shop. She used to be Susan’s friend. I scream, “STOP!” Dad stopped the car. I pretend and tell my parents I thought the sign said homemade ice cream. Mom says we should look around at the shop, since we are already here. I feel anxious or nervous. I put Bodi’s leash on him, and tell him to bring me good luck. TONGUE-TIED Vocabulary- Fleece Hysterical Mom tries on a fleece coat. I see Lauren. When she sees Bodi, she calls him to go to her. She is nice to me. She tells me that feathers bring good luck. My Mom and Dad embarrass me. They come over and talk to Lauren too. They don’t know she was with Susan the day she died. As we are getting ready to leave, I tell my parents that I left my book in her store. They wait for me. THE TRUTH IS NEVER WHAT YOU THINK Vocabulary- Outraged I race back to the store. When I see Lauren I tell her I saw her entry on Susan’s site. She looks at me, and asks how I knew Susan. I tell her that I was with her on the beach the day she died. She asks me how old I am. I tell her I am twelve years old. She tells me that Susan was her best friend. She tells me that Susan was a teenager. She had a crush on a guy- Tim Jensen. He did not even know Susan. We went because Susan heard that Tim was going to the beach. Lauren told her, that when she got to the beach, Susan was there with me. She said that beaches are no place for a little kid, especially after a big storm. When Tim came by, Susan forgot to watch you. Lauren was playing in the sand with Derrek. She told Derrek that he was fearless. Lauren said that when she turned around she saw Susan and Tim in the water. Just then, someone coughed. It was his Mom and Dad. They were listening to the story too. I introduce my parents to Lauren. I tell them that she was Susan’s friend. Susan and Tim stayed in the water, so Lauren watched Derrek. They found shells together. Then Susan and Tim went for a walk. Even though the waves were huge, Susan wanted to go back into the water. She wasn’t in the water for a minute, and a riptide got a hold of her. Lauren ran for help. Derrek’s mother was surprised. She thought Susan had tried to save Derrek. Derrek only went near the water when the ambulance came. It was so busy that no one saw him go into the water. Lucky for Derrek, his dog saved him by grabbing him by the diaper. BODI had saved him! Lauren said that Bodi was fearless. My mother looked surprised. She was told that Susan had tried to save Derrek. Lauren said that Lauren’s mother was hysterical with the news that her Susan drowned. Susan’s mother wanted to believe that she died a hero. My mother started to cry. She had done nothing wrong. Derrek had done nothing wrong. I was not the reason Susan died! My mother was suddenly outraged. She was really mad. For the past ten years, they thought Susan was a hero and that she had saved Derrek. Mom is crying. She gives Lauren a big hug. She thanks her for the truth. She places the necklace with the shells and feathers around Derrek’s neck. Mom is still upset. Now we have to see Susan’s mother. MRS. JONES Vocabulary- Officially Rescued They go to see Susan’s mother. I ask my mother if I can stay in the car. Mom tells me that I need to see the end of the story for myself. Mrs. James is in the garden. She is surprised to see us. We are a day early. She shakes my hand. She tells me she is happy to meet me. There is a collage of Susan on the wall. Susan would have been 28 years old next week, she tells my mom. Mom starts to ask about the drowning, but she sees that Mrs. James is so sad. Mom tells her that Susan sounds like she was a wonderful kid. She asks Mrs. James to tell her more about Susan. Susan liked to dance. She traveled to Germany to see her grandparents. When it is time to leave, my mom and Mrs. James give each other a big hug. I tell Mom, that my investigation is officially over. On our way to the restaurant we talk about the real hero- Bodi. Mom had rescued him from a shelter. Derrek rubs Bodi’s stomach. ONE MORE THING The next day, I ask my parents to bring me to South Beach, where Susan drowned. Mom and Dad finally agree to bring me. I felt like I was missing a big piece of the puzzle by not seeing the beach. We can not bring Bodi to the beach. I am glad Susan did not follow those rules. We pack the car with sunscreen, chairs, towels and head across the island. We walked where Lauren said Susan and her walked. We passed the last lifeguard. The waves were huge. They made loud crashing sounds. My father holds my Mom’s hand as we walk along the beach. Mom gets a phone call from Carly’s mom. The hedgehog died. I feel bad for Carly. A wave hits me. I feel the pull of the undertow. I call Carly. I tell Carly it is not her fault that the hedgehog died. I tell her that she didn’t do anything wrong. AS GOOD AS IT GETS Vocabulary- Dissolved During the rest of the trip we relax. She lets me eat fish and chips. She seems happier now. Mom’s worries seemed to have dissolved or vanished with the truth about Susan. On our last day at Martha’s Vineyard, we watch a sunset. Mom tells me that I can take Bodi off the leash. Bodi and I have a lot of fun in the water. He does not act like an 80 year old person. A man gives Bodi a hamburger. Bodi is happy too. Bodi poops in the sand. A lady tells me to put him back on the leash. Perfect did not last for long, but it was nice while it lasted. A man yells at my mom when she is parking the car on the ferry. Mom tells him not to be rude. I decide to put the bag of dog poop in his work room. Both Mom and Dad see me and smile. BACK HOME Matt is happy that I am home. It is great seeing him. I tell Matt all about Lauren’s story about Susan. When I tell him Bodi saved my life, he says that we should try to get Bodi a metal. We go to the ocean. It is amazing how different the two different oceans are. On our way back home, I tell him that I need to show him something. We walk to Carly’s house. Matt is shocked. He tells him that they are going to plant flowers for Ginger the hedgehog. Matt sees that Derrek might be in love, and smiles. Carly shows Matt her security system. Together they all play spies. SEE YOU LATER, LEARNING CAMP Vocabulary- Frustrated It is my last week of Learning Camp. I am reading my books. They are hard, but I keep trying. Margot asks me questions about the book. I close my eyes and tell her all about the book. She is proud of me. Summer camp is finally over. I will miss it. I go to Michael’s house. Michael helps me animate more of my drawings. Michael burns the animations on a DVD so I can show Dad. I even got to watch a movie about how they train monkeys to help people. Pedro would get frustrated when learning new things. Michael tells Derrek that Pedro had to keep trying to learn new things, but with practice he was able to do it. Don’t give up. Believe it or not, you will master these tasks! THE LAST DAYS OF FREEDOM Vocabulary- Collaborate During the last week of my vacation, I helped mom take care of the animals. Joe no longer bothers me. I am starting to collaborate with him. We are working together on some stories. Amy has gone to college. I no longer have a babysitter. I now go with my parents on their dates. At the Japanese restaurant, the fire on the grill goes high. I dive to the floor and say, STOP, DROP AND ROLL. Everyone laughs. My parents do not. I love them. THE SAME OLD GRIND- Vocabulary- My parents do not buy me school clothes. I like to wear my old clothes. I wear my necklace that Lauren gave me. I say goodbye to Bodi. The kids all look different. Some kids are now wearing glasses. Some have braces. Ms. Williams asks me to read my report to the class. I tell her that I read one of the three books. I show the class my animations of the story. The class wants to see it again. Carly is happy for me. She gives me a thumbs-up. I tell them about Bodi the hero, a brave monkey who helps Michael, about Susan and the drowning and the friend she left behind. I talked, and talked and talked. Ms. Williams finally told me to sit down. I feel like a rock star.
Author-Janet Tashjian Illustrator- Jake Tashjian
Vocabulary:
Reluctant
Vaults
Rummage
Obviously
Main Character- Derrick
I Don’t WANT TO READ THIS BOOK. Mom gives me a book. I am too fast. I go into the attic. Mom says that I get one chocolate chip per page.
I hid. She offers me two chocolate chips. I still hide. I start to look around. I found mom’s love letters that dad wrote. Then I find a paper that says a local girl was found dead on the beach. It was from ten years ago.
I hang out the door like Spiderman. I ask my mom about the girl. The newspaper said she was seventeen years old. Mom says she does not know what I am talking about.
I show her the newspaper. She gets mad. She grabs my arm. She takes the newspaper from me. She puts it in her pocket.
I really do like to read. But I don’t like being told that I need to read. When the teacher gave me a vocabulary word, I drew what it meant.
My dad is an illustrator. So I guess drawing runs in the family.
If my life was a book, it would be an adventure. I would find out who the girl that died on the beach was.
TORTURE IN THE CLASSROOM
Vocabulary:
Kidnapped
The next day, Ms. Williams the reading tutor tells me I have to read three books. She wants me to write three book reports too! Then she tells me that she is going to be my teacher next year!
I tell my teacher that summer is for fun. I should be able to wear pajamas all day and eat cereal when I want.
My friend Matt can’t believe that we have summer homework either.
I like my teacher, but I would not mind is she was kidnapped by bank robbers.
PLAYING JAMES BOND
Vocabulary-
Disapproves
Matt and I go to the mall. We like to read comic books and look at DVDs. My favorite clerk, Jamie, is Matt’s older brother. He makes me laugh.
I tell Matt about the girl on the beach that they found dead. He tells him that the newspaper said that the girl drowned.
Jamie is busy talking to some girls by the cash register. His boss tells him to get back to work, and that he disapproves. His boss leaves to get a cup of coffee.
I start to hum the song from James Bond. His brother lowers the gate. Matt and I run around the store like we are spies. Then as the gate reaches the ground, we roll under it.
We look like monkeys in a zoo. Jamie throws the white packing peanuts at us. He is trying to impress the girls.
I turn around. I see Carly, the smartest girl in school.
She shows me her books, and tells me she got extra to read.
I tell Jamie that his boss is coming. As the gate goes up, we roll under the gate again.
WHY CALL HER A BABYSITTER IF I’M NOT A BABY
Truce
Skidded
Desperate
Investigate
My parents leave for their Thursday date together. Amy is my baby sitter. I offer Amy a truce. I usually lock myself in the bathroom or ride my bike in the hall. Last week I skidded into dad’s table, and made markers fall everywhere.
I told her, that I was willing to make a deal. If you help me research I will go to bed with no fuss.
She stops texting, and asked me if the research was for school.
I lied, and told her that it was for a school assignment.
Amy goes onto my dad’s fast laptop. She enters in the information. I find out that the girl’s name is Susan James.
I told Amy that my mother would not give me any information. I even heard her talking to dad about it.
She told me to write to the newspaper if I was desperate to know.
Since Amy was not helping me, I broke the truce. I took my dog, and sat in the car. Amy tries to get me out, but then leaves.
Mom and Dad are home early. I pretend that we were cleaning mom’s car.
Amy tells mom and dad that I locked myself and the dog in the car. She also told her that I was researching about Susan James.
Mom says that she does not know why she saved that piece of paper.
She reminds me that tomorrow is the last day of school, and to think about something else.
I think to myself, that tomorrow, I will start to investigate.
FINALLY
Vocabulary
Hedgehog
Ms. Williams can’t get the DVD to work. Instead of watching a movie, we have a spelling test. I get into trouble when I make a joke.
Joe is waiting for me by my locker. He used to be the smallest kid in class. Now he is the biggest! Joe has bad breath. He has orange teeth.
When I go back into the classroom, Ms. Williams gives me a reading book.
I thank Ms. Williams for the book, even though I don’t want it.
Ms. Williams tells Carly that she is taking Ginger home. Ginger is a hedgehog.
When the bell rings, I vault to the door. When I get home, I take out the dog, without his leash!
MAKING FRUIT GRENADES
Vocabulary-
Grenades
Accompany
Matt and I draw on some avocados. When we are done, we take them out side and stack them.
We go on opposite sides. Matt throws the first avocado grenades. It goes SPLAT on my shoe.
Mom opens the door. She is not happy that we have used all of the avocados.
Dad is the next one to come outside. He tells me to clean up the dirt we used. Then he gives me ten dollars to go to the store to buy more avocados. When the money is in my hand, all I can think about is candy.
Matt thinks about popcorn, ice cream and cupcakes.
Matt and I skateboard to the store. The man has some old avocados that he sells for cheap. We buy ice cream.
Matt tells Derrik that he is going to Martha Vineyard. That is the same place that the girl drowned!
Derrik tells Matt to ask his mother if he can come to Martha Vineyard too.
Matt tells Derrik that it is 3000 miles away from where they live. He does not know if his mother will agree.
My mother throws the avocados away. They are too ripe.
We have Chinese food for dinner. My fortune cookie has a paper in it. It says, “A STORY WILL UNFOLD BEFORE YOU.”
I hope I can accompany or go with Matt and his mom.
POOR DAD
Vocabulary
Permanent
Illustrator
I got to spend the day with my dad. I really like his job. He gets to draw all day.
Dad tells to do well in school. He tells me it is hard to get a job.
Dad falls asleep on the couch when he gets home. He seemed sad.
When dad is sleeping, I start to draw on him. I try to make him look younger. My father is not happy when he wakes up. I used a permanent marker. I drew a mustache and sideburns. When he looks in the mirror, he tells me he likes it.
Mom tries to wash it off, but it’s permanent.
In the morning, my dad still has the marker on his face. Not all of it washed off. I tell my dad that he is a good illustrator. I tell him not to worry about the younger artists.
FORCING MY PARENTS TO ADMIT THE TRUTH
Vocabulary-
Drought
I pick some flowers for Matt’s mother. I help his mom sweep the sidewalk. I water her plants. I even carry in her groceries.
But when Matt asks his mother, she says no.
Matt tells Derrik that he can’t go because Massachusetts is so far away.
Matt also tells Derrik, that his mother did not want him to go with them.
Matt sister yells at us. We were trying to start a fire with a heat lamp- outside. She said it is the drought season, and that any fire could be a bad fire.
On my way home, I try to think of ways to make my parents tell me about the newspaper article. I have no plan, so I start to hit a ball. It hits the satellite dish. This makes dad mad.
I tell dad that I want to know why I can’t go to Martha’s Vineyard.
I hit a second ball. It also hits the satellite dish.
My mother comes outside and tells me that Martha’s Vineyard is too far away.
I tell my mother she won’t let me go because of the girl they found on the beach at Martha’s Vineyard. I saw the girl’s name- Susan.
Mom looks sad now. She tells me that she will tell me the story. I go into the house.
Mom tells me that they rented a house in Martha’s Vineyard ten years ago. She told me I was two years old.
They were meeting other people, so they got a baby sitter. Her name was Susan James. She was a college student.
Susan took off with Derrik. A woman called to report that Susan had drowned, but Derrik was back at home- in bed.
She said that Derrik must have gone into the water. She went into the water to save Derrik, but was pulled into the water.
Derrik’s mother said that she writes to Susan’s mother every year.
Derrik’s mother feels guilty. But Susan did not have permission to leave with him.
His parents cancel their date.
I feel bad now that I know more about Susan.
TRYING TO FORGET
Vocabulary
Veterinarian
Collage
For the next few days, I try to forget about Susan and her story.
Mom finally tells me “no more questions.”
My mother is a veterinarian. She has her own office. She also takes care of dogs when their owners are on vacation.
I make a collage of animals. I put a bunch of animal’s pictures on a board.
Mom tells me to read. I don’t want to. She asks me to show her my vocabulary pictures. I show her. She likes them. She thinks I draw like my dad.
A NEW FRIEND
Vocabulary
When I go to mom’s job, I am surprised she is taking care of a monkey.
Mom tells me his name is Pedro. He is trained to help people in wheelchairs.
Pedro wears a diaper.
Mom tells me that Pedro can bite, so I need to be careful.
I think Pedro needs some fresh air. I open his cage. He climbs on my shoulder. I give Pedro a piece of chocolate. I find my cowboy outfit and put it on the monkey. Pedro likes to play with the toy gun.
Derrik’s dog barks at Pedro. He has never seen a monkey before. Pedro jumps onto the dog, and the dog starts running through the house.
Mom is not happy again. She tells Derrik that she is going to send him to summer camp.
I tell her that I will look at sport camps. But I would rather be home. Mom tells me I am going to go to LEARNING CAMP.
Mom brings Pedro back to her office, and locks him in his cage.
I TRY NOT TO KILL THE BABYSITTER
Vocabulary-
Flattened
I feel like I am trapped. My parents talk to each other how I don’t have good self-control. They are mad that I am not reading my summer books. They tell me I am going to Learning Camp.
I tell them I want to read. I want to read my comic books by the tree.
Amy is watching me today. She is really babysitting me. She used to make me a peanut butter sandwich. Now she makes me.
I tell her that I killed my first babysitter.
She does not seem scared.
She tells Derrek that she knows about the girl that drowned.
I shared my first sandwich with Amy, and made another.
Matt went into Derrek’s house. He told him that they were delivering bricks for a patio. Derrek wants to put some toys in front of the tires and squish them like grapes.
I tell Amy that I am going to Matt’s house. Amy does not hear him, because she is on the phone.
When the driver of the big truck goes away, he beeps his horn. The toys are not very flat.
We put the plastic toys into a rock sander. It makes a funny noise.
Learning Camp starts on Monday. I am not having fun.
I tell Matt that I have to go home.
I just want to sit under the clouds and stare at the sky.
MY FATHER TRIES TO HELP
Vocabulary-
Repeatedly
Dad tells me that he is going to drop me off at nine.
I have to get up by 7:30!
I try to find my MP3 and headphones.
Mom tells me my dog is 80 years old in people years.
I really hate math. I never seem to know the right answer.
Mom gives me a banana and protein bar.
Dad wants to talk about the book I am reading on the way.
I feel like I am banging my head repeatedly against the wall.
I feel like I am going to summer prison.
ISN’T THIS FUN?
Vocabulary-
First I need to register.
Next, I need to get into a group.
The leaders show us where to put our stuff.
I see Carly! She is one of the smartest kids at school.
I feel sick. I don’t like needing help with reading, writing and math.
My leader’s name is Margot.
We are going to learn geography. She hands out maps.
Margot tells me that she hates summer reading lists.
She says it’s “criminal.”
She told me she loved to read comic books.
Margot told Derrek that he had a good imagination.
She told him to use his imagination when reading.
She told him reading could be like watching a movie.
Then Margot told Derrek that she was going to read to him!
It is the first time that I am able to answer the questions!
SAYING GOODBYE TO MATT
Vocabulary
Desserted
I see Joe. He is the boy with the bad breath.
Joe tells him a story but it does not make sense. Joe thinks peanuts grow on trees. They grow underground.
Joe is surprised that Derrek is smart.
Joe walks away. He is mad.
Matt’s car is loaded with their suitcases. They are ready to go on their trip.
I am sad that Matt is going away. I am mad that I have to go to Learning Camp.
Jamie tells Derrik that he used to go to Learning Camp. He did not like it.
Matt tells him that on the first rainy day he is going to go to the library to look up information about Susan.
I stand all alone in Matt’s driveway. I watch them go down the road. Matt feels deserted, or all alone.
SUSAN’S SITE
Vocabulary
Disappear
Mom is at a meeting, and dad is working. I email my grandma in Boston.
I read my comics.
I Google Susan James. I find a page about Susan.
She is a girl with long brown hair. She liked the Red Sox. She played filed hockey. She loved to play the piano. She had a younger brother.
I look at the clock. I have been reading about Susan for an hour.
I begin typing.
Dear Susan,
Why did you bring me to the beach? Why did you save me?
Am I supposed to help others because you saved me?
Can I be a normal kid, who makes mistakes?
I push enter, and watch my message disappear.
MOVIES RUN IN THE FAMILY
Vocabulary-
I make a deal with Margot. I will read the first chapter. If I do, then we don’t have to play Fraction Friday.
I sit on my bed with my summer reading book. It is hard to imagine the story without Margot.
I begin to draw about my summer.
I want to show Margot my flip-o-rama book. But first I want to show dad.
I find dad. He is whacking the weeds. I show him my book. He likes it.
Dad wants me to draw about the book. That sounds like work. YUCK.
A DIFFERENT JAMES BOND
Vocabulary-
Illegal
Grid
It should be illegal or against the law to make kids do math when it is hot.
Carly is going home with Derrek. Her mother asked if she could pick her up.
Carly sits in the back seat of the car.
Carly talks about books. But then she talks about how her mother can land scape.
Carly’s mother comes home. She makes tea.
Carly shows him the class hedgehog.
Carly is worried because the hedgehog is not eating much.
Mom tells them that she will look at the hedgehog tomorrow.
Carly has made a grid out of string.
She said she is pretending it is an alarm system. She gives him a black ski mask. Together they try to get to the other end of the room.
She is able to get to the other side of the room.
Derrek claps. He is happy.
A CALL FROM MATT
Vocabulary-
Reaction
It is Friday again. Derek’s parents go on a date. Amy is watching him, but she is watching TV.
Derrek takes his mom’s key and goes into her office. Pedro the monkey is not there. Five dogs are in cages. They are barking. They are happy to see him.
Amy comes into the office. She tells him Matt is on the phone.
Matt is having a good summer. Derrek tells him that he is bored.
Matt told him that he went to South Beach- the same beach that Susan drowned.
He tells him the waves were very large. He said it was dangerous there.
He tells Derrek he was lucky that Susan saved him.
Matt tells Derrek that he has to go to watch the fireworks.
Derrek takes off his shoe and knocks the satellite dish, which ruins Amy’s show.
Derrek is happy again. He got a great reaction out of Amy. She was yelling.
TWO EMAILS
Vocabulary-
Unfamiliar
Derrek opened his email after Learning Camp. His grandmother from Boston wants the family to visit. His grandfather died three years ago.
His grandmother is lonely. But she bowls with some of her friends.
The second email is unfamiliar. It is from Susan’s mother! She is surprised to get an email from him. She wishes him her best.
I decide to tell Mom that grandma sounds lonely.
Mom tells him that she would love to visit her, but there is no one to take care of the animals.
I tell her we need to see her soon. Grandma would want us to visit.
Mom agrees. She said she will change her calendar.
Mom then asks if the trip to Boston, Massachusetts is because of Susan or Matt.
Derrek tells her that he misses his grandmother- AND that he wants to go to Martha’s Vineyard.
A TRUCE
Vocabulary-
Truce
Mom came home with pizza. She told Matt about her plan.
They would visit grandma next week. They would not be going to Martha’s Vineyard to see Matt- BUT THEY WERE GOING TO GO TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD!
Mom tells Derrek that he needs to do his summer reading.
Derrek wants to bring his dog. Mom says that Bodi should go to dog camp.
Derrek tells mom, that Bodi is part of the family and should go on the trip too.
Mom gives Derrek his books, and tells him to read. He takes two pieces of pizza and goes into his room.
Instead of reading, Derrek emails Grandma to tell her they are coming to visit.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
Vocabulary-
Slobber
I take Bodi for a walk on the leash. Mom treated a dog that was hit by a car. It was not a pretty site.
I find a tree and begin to read my comics.
Ms. Williams runs over to see me. I tell her I am having a bad summer. Bodi slobbers on her. He licks her hand and licks her face.
She is happy that I am reading.
I show her my flip-o-rama movie of my summer.
When I get home, I see three emails from Grandma. She is happy we are coming to see her.
Next I read the site about Susan. Lauren, one of her friends, says that she was with Susan at the beach the day she died.
I know I should read- but I decide to draw.
MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO
Vocabulary-
Yoga
Laser
Animate
Mom has medicine for Pedro, the monkey. She is going to drop it off before yoga class. She tells me I can go with her!
Michael is Pedro’s owner. He is seventeen. He has cerebral palsy. He is in a wheelchair.
Pedro and Michael have been together for two years. Michael and I play basketball in his bedroom. Michael wins.
Michael picks up a laser pointer. He aims it at a DVD. Pedro gets the DVD. Pedro puts popcorn in the microwave.
Michael and I watch a movie. My mom goes to yoga alone.
I show Michael my drawings. He likes them.
He tells me I should animate the drawings like the drawings of the Lion King.
Michael tells me to watch him on the computer.
Michael scans my drawing, and makes the lines move, like a real cartoon.
By the time Mom comes back, I have animated three of my vocabulary words.
My flip-o-rama turned into a cartoon!
Mom says that I can come back when we get back from Martha’s Vineyard.
I tell Dad about the animation. I am going to teach him. Then maybe he will talk Mom into letting me raise a monkey.
GRANDMA-
Vocabulary-
Century
Bodi is going on the trip with us!
Mom goes to sleep on the plane.
Dad and I play cards and watch a movie.
When we get to Boston, we rent a car. It smells great.
Grandma still lives in the same house that my mom grew up in.
I sleep on an air mattress.
Grandma is so happy to see us! She gives me a hug first.
Grandma squeezes me like she hasn’t seen me in a century, or 100 years! She made all of my favorite foods too!
Grandma has new hearing aids. We don’t have to yell very loud.
Grandma can’t come to Martha’s Vineyard with us. She has bowling.
I feel like a little kid when I am with my grandma. I like it this way.
I ask my grandma to read me a story.
She is surprised and happy!
I get out my summer reading book.
Mom tells me I have to read the book.
Grandma tells her she is going to read the book to me.
Grandma reads two chapters. I imagine the story and the details.
Grandma and I watch a movie after my parents go to bed.
With any luck, Grandma will help me write my essay!
MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Vocabulary-
Ferry
Anxious
We spent a lot of time with Grandma. We ate a lot. We watched her bowling.
Matt and I talked on the phone. We couldn’t believe that we were both in Massachusetts, but we would have to wait to see each other.
When we leave, Grandma gives me a big hug.
She tells Mom and Dad that she will see us for Thanksgiving.
We go on a ferry. It is like a boat that carries people and cars to Martha’s Vineyard.
Mom seems nervous when we get to Martha’s Vineyard. Mom and Dad have not been to Martha’s Vineyard since Susan’s drowning.
We check into the inn, and go for a walk. We gave Bodi a bone and left him at the inn.
We stop at a book store. This is my parents’ favorite thing to do when on vacation.
I look at the picture books. I like looking at the pictures.
Then Mom and Dad take me to the candy shop.
The island does not look like an island. It does not look like California. The beach has so many cars on it. But we are going to Susan’s beach!
As we are driving I see Lauren’s shop. She used to be Susan’s friend.
I scream, “STOP!”
Dad stopped the car. I pretend and tell my parents I thought the sign said homemade ice cream.
Mom says we should look around at the shop, since we are already here.
I feel anxious or nervous. I put Bodi’s leash on him, and tell him to bring me good luck.
TONGUE-TIED
Vocabulary-
Fleece
Hysterical
Mom tries on a fleece coat.
I see Lauren. When she sees Bodi, she calls him to go to her.
She is nice to me. She tells me that feathers bring good luck.
My Mom and Dad embarrass me. They come over and talk to Lauren too. They don’t know she was with Susan the day she died.
As we are getting ready to leave, I tell my parents that I left my book in her store. They wait for me.
THE TRUTH IS NEVER WHAT YOU THINK
Vocabulary-
Outraged
I race back to the store. When I see Lauren I tell her I saw her entry on Susan’s site.
She looks at me, and asks how I knew Susan. I tell her that I was with her on the beach the day she died.
She asks me how old I am. I tell her I am twelve years old.
She tells me that Susan was her best friend.
She tells me that Susan was a teenager. She had a crush on a guy- Tim Jensen. He did not even know Susan. We went because Susan heard that Tim was going to the beach.
Lauren told her, that when she got to the beach, Susan was there with me. She said that beaches are no place for a little kid, especially after a big storm.
When Tim came by, Susan forgot to watch you. Lauren was playing in the sand with Derrek. She told Derrek that he was fearless.
Lauren said that when she turned around she saw Susan and Tim in the water.
Just then, someone coughed. It was his Mom and Dad. They were listening to the story too.
I introduce my parents to Lauren. I tell them that she was Susan’s friend.
Susan and Tim stayed in the water, so Lauren watched Derrek. They found shells together. Then Susan and Tim went for a walk.
Even though the waves were huge, Susan wanted to go back into the water. She wasn’t in the water for a minute, and a riptide got a hold of her. Lauren ran for help.
Derrek’s mother was surprised. She thought Susan had tried to save Derrek.
Derrek only went near the water when the ambulance came. It was so busy that no one saw him go into the water. Lucky for Derrek, his dog saved him by grabbing him by the diaper.
BODI had saved him! Lauren said that Bodi was fearless.
My mother looked surprised. She was told that Susan had tried to save Derrek.
Lauren said that Lauren’s mother was hysterical with the news that her Susan drowned. Susan’s mother wanted to believe that she died a hero.
My mother started to cry. She had done nothing wrong. Derrek had done nothing wrong. I was not the reason Susan died!
My mother was suddenly outraged. She was really mad. For the past ten years, they thought Susan was a hero and that she had saved Derrek.
Mom is crying. She gives Lauren a big hug. She thanks her for the truth.
She places the necklace with the shells and feathers around Derrek’s neck.
Mom is still upset. Now we have to see Susan’s mother.
MRS. JONES
Vocabulary-
Officially
Rescued
They go to see Susan’s mother. I ask my mother if I can stay in the car. Mom tells me that I need to see the end of the story for myself.
Mrs. James is in the garden. She is surprised to see us. We are a day early.
She shakes my hand. She tells me she is happy to meet me.
There is a collage of Susan on the wall.
Susan would have been 28 years old next week, she tells my mom.
Mom starts to ask about the drowning, but she sees that Mrs. James is so sad.
Mom tells her that Susan sounds like she was a wonderful kid. She asks Mrs. James to tell her more about Susan.
Susan liked to dance.
She traveled to Germany to see her grandparents.
When it is time to leave, my mom and Mrs. James give each other a big hug.
I tell Mom, that my investigation is officially over.
On our way to the restaurant we talk about the real hero- Bodi. Mom had rescued him from a shelter.
Derrek rubs Bodi’s stomach.
ONE MORE THING
The next day, I ask my parents to bring me to South Beach, where Susan drowned.
Mom and Dad finally agree to bring me. I felt like I was missing a big piece of the puzzle by not seeing the beach.
We can not bring Bodi to the beach. I am glad Susan did not follow those rules.
We pack the car with sunscreen, chairs, towels and head across the island.
We walked where Lauren said Susan and her walked. We passed the last lifeguard. The waves were huge. They made loud crashing sounds.
My father holds my Mom’s hand as we walk along the beach.
Mom gets a phone call from Carly’s mom. The hedgehog died. I feel bad for Carly. A wave hits me. I feel the pull of the undertow.
I call Carly. I tell Carly it is not her fault that the hedgehog died. I tell her that she didn’t do anything wrong.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Vocabulary-
Dissolved
During the rest of the trip we relax. She lets me eat fish and chips. She seems happier now.
Mom’s worries seemed to have dissolved or vanished with the truth about Susan.
On our last day at Martha’s Vineyard, we watch a sunset. Mom tells me that I can take Bodi off the leash. Bodi and I have a lot of fun in the water. He does not act like an 80 year old person.
A man gives Bodi a hamburger. Bodi is happy too.
Bodi poops in the sand. A lady tells me to put him back on the leash.
Perfect did not last for long, but it was nice while it lasted.
A man yells at my mom when she is parking the car on the ferry. Mom tells him not to be rude. I decide to put the bag of dog poop in his work room. Both Mom and Dad see me and smile.
BACK HOME
Matt is happy that I am home. It is great seeing him.
I tell Matt all about Lauren’s story about Susan.
When I tell him Bodi saved my life, he says that we should try to get Bodi a metal.
We go to the ocean. It is amazing how different the two different oceans are.
On our way back home, I tell him that I need to show him something.
We walk to Carly’s house. Matt is shocked. He tells him that they are going to plant flowers for Ginger the hedgehog. Matt sees that Derrek might be in love, and smiles.
Carly shows Matt her security system. Together they all play spies.
SEE YOU LATER, LEARNING CAMP
Vocabulary-
Frustrated
It is my last week of Learning Camp. I am reading my books. They are hard, but I keep trying. Margot asks me questions about the book.
I close my eyes and tell her all about the book. She is proud of me.
Summer camp is finally over. I will miss it.
I go to Michael’s house. Michael helps me animate more of my drawings. Michael burns the animations on a DVD so I can show Dad.
I even got to watch a movie about how they train monkeys to help people. Pedro would get frustrated when learning new things.
Michael tells Derrek that Pedro had to keep trying to learn new things, but with practice he was able to do it.
Don’t give up.
Believe it or not, you will master these tasks!
THE LAST DAYS OF FREEDOM
Vocabulary-
Collaborate
During the last week of my vacation, I helped mom take care of the animals.
Joe no longer bothers me. I am starting to collaborate with him. We are working together on some stories.
Amy has gone to college. I no longer have a babysitter.
I now go with my parents on their dates.
At the Japanese restaurant, the fire on the grill goes high. I dive to the floor and say, STOP, DROP AND ROLL. Everyone laughs. My parents do not. I love them.
THE SAME OLD GRIND-
Vocabulary-
My parents do not buy me school clothes. I like to wear my old clothes.
I wear my necklace that Lauren gave me.
I say goodbye to Bodi.
The kids all look different. Some kids are now wearing glasses. Some have braces.
Ms. Williams asks me to read my report to the class.
I tell her that I read one of the three books. I show the class my animations of the story. The class wants to see it again.
Carly is happy for me. She gives me a thumbs-up.
I tell them about Bodi the hero, a brave monkey who helps Michael, about Susan and the drowning and the friend she left behind.
I talked, and talked and talked.
Ms. Williams finally told me to sit down.
I feel like a rock star.